Denton, TX Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit term
- 12 months, non-transferable
- Commissary
- City-approved; no private residence
- Public property
- Written City permission required
- State license
- DSHS MFU license since 7/1/2026
- Enforcement
- Health and Food Safety Division
Summary
Denton requires every mobile food establishment to hold a 12-month city health permit, operate from an approved commissary, and file an itinerary. Units cannot vend from a street, sidewalk, or park without written City permission.
In order to obtain a health permit to operate a mobile food establishment within the city limits of Denton, an applicant shall submit all required applications and applicable documents with the City of Denton and pay all required fees. ... The health permit shall be valid for 12 months. Mobile food establishment permits shall not be transferable ... A commissary shall be used as a base of operations for all classes of mobile food vendors. ... State law prohibits the use of a private residence as a central preparation facility or warehouse.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37 Update 1 | Development Code: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
Denton's Health and Food Safety Division permits food trucks and pushcarts under Code of Ordinances Chapter 13, which adopts the Texas Food Establishment Rules with local amendments to 25 TAC 228.221. An applicant must submit applications, an itinerary, and fees, pass a vehicle inspection, and display both a posted permit and an exterior sticker. The permit is valid 12 months and is non-transferable. Every unit must operate from a commissary approved by the City Health Officer; a private residence cannot serve as the commissary. No unit may vend from a street, public park, or other public property without written City permission. Since July 1, 2026, operators also need a Texas DSHS mobile food unit license under HB 2844.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a valid permit, servicing record, or approved commissary is an offense. Critical violations trigger immediate closure by the Health Officer, who posts a closed sign and inspection report on the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Denton food truck park on a public street or sidewalk?
Do I need a commissary to run a food truck in Denton?
Is a state license required too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton to another location·View the Texas food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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Sidewalk & Mobile Vending in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Denton County handle sidewalk & mobile vending.